A MAINS burst left hundreds of residents without water and others with only a trickle.

Motorists have been diverted since the leak in Birchfield Road, Widnes, happened on Sunday night.

"Engineers worked through the night and managed to rezone supplies to many families in the area the same night," said Paula Wright, United Utilities press officer.

"The burst itself was due to general wear and tear on the water main. We apologise for the inconvenience to customers who suffered poor water pressure or no water."

Around 500 calls flooded in from anxious customers, she said.

The burst repair was completed on Monday and the supply restored by 9pm.

The road remains closed as Halton Council highway engineers meet water chiefs to discuss the repair.